Hollywood Heritage
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
2024
Our latest project presented an exciting challenge: reimagining the kitchen of a historically significant residence in Hollywood’s prestigious Whitley Terrace district. This home, steeped in rich architectural heritage, required a delicate balance between honoring its past and meeting contemporary needs. The existing kitchen, last updated in the 1960s, had unfortunately suffered extensive damage due to a flooding incident. While this was initially disheartening, it opened up a world of possibilities for a fresh design approach. The water damage had rendered the original cabinetry and vintage appliances beyond salvage, giving us a clean slate to work with.
We made the decision to remove a peninsula that housed an extra sink. This peninsula, along with a tall pantry cabinet, had been creating a barrier in the space. By eliminating these elements, we instantly opened up the kitchen to the dining room, creating a more spacious feel and improving sight-lines. This new, open-concept design enhances the flow for entertaining and daily living alike
In place of the peninsula and the original island -almost entirely taken over by the old cooktop- we introduced a multifunctional island. This new feature serves dual purposes – providing additional workspace for meal preparation and casual seating for quick bites or entertaining. The island has become a natural gathering point, enhancing the social aspect of the kitchen. We then placed a LOFRA Italian range as focal point in the back wall.
To address the client’s desire for more light, we incorporated a layered lighting plan. This includes task lighting for work areas, ambient lighting for overall illumination, and decorative fixtures that add character while brightening the space.
Despite removing the tall pantry, we ensured ample storage through thoughtfully designed cabinetry. We utilized a mix of closed cabinets for essentials and open shelving for display, maintaining functionality without sacrificing style.
We chose materials that respect the home’s historical character while offering modern durability. This includes countertops that mimic the look of period-appropriate materials but offer superior resistance to stains and scratches. A warm butcher block for the tall portion of the island, durable Caesarstone for the prep counter opposite the range, and black soapstone for the perimeter counters. A light, neutral color scheme was selected to further enhance the sense of brightness and space, with accents of color in the island and the Zellige tile backsplash. This palette also provides a timeless backdrop that can easily adapt to changing decor preferences over time.
The result is a kitchen that feels both fresh and timeless. It meets the client’s aesthetic and functional needs while respecting the home’s architectural significance. By opening up the space and improving its connection to other areas of the home, we’ve created a kitchen that’s not just a place for meal preparation, but a true heart of the home – perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.
Architect: RRDA
Contractor: Birdwell Peck Constr.
Photography: MK Sadler
Products:
Appliances: Lofra, Bosh, Fisher & Paykel
Cabinetry Hardware: Rejuvenation
Plumbing Fixtures: Kingston Brass
Tile: Handmade Zellige Moroccan tiles
Counters: Oak Butcher Block, Caesarstone, Natural Soapstone
Decorative Lighting: Shades of Light, Pottery Barn
